Glen Johnson happy to help England's young players

Wednesday 28 May 2014
Glen Johnson is the fourth most-capped player in the England squad

Glen Johnson is happy to be one of the experienced heads at the World Cup and help the younger England players this summer.

The Liverpool defender clocked up his 50th appearance for the Three Lions in the March friendly with Denmark and is the squad's fourth most-capped player - behind Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.

Hodgson's line-up has an average age of 26 so, with a lot of youth around, Johnson says he'll do what he can to help them in Brazil after playing at major tournaments for England in 2010 and 2012.

England v Peru

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"It’s a great experience for me, there are a lot of new faces around the team and you try to use that experience and help them when they need it," he said.

"I guess I am one of the older faces around, but I don’t feel it. I feel good and fit."

The 29-year-old added: "It’s important to have the older heads with the experience along with the young, fearless lads who don’t really know what they are stepping into.

"I’m sure the lads will be confident, we have some great players around the squad and I’m sure we can cause teams problems."

Johnson is one of five Liverpool players in Hodgson's 23-man squad for Brazil, along with Jon Flanagan, who is at St. George's Park on standby.

After helping the Anfield outfit enjoy an excellent season, finishing second in the Premier League and only just missing out on the title by two points, Johnson is keen to see what impact his club mates can make at the World Cup.

Johnson and Smalling

Glen Johnson warms up before training

"It’s great to see a few more Liverpool players in the England squad," said Johnson. "Jordan [Henderson] and Raheem [Sterling] have been brilliant for us, so I’m sure they’ll get their chance to shine and play their part.

“[Henderson and Gerrard] have been fantastic together. They work well when we have got the ball and when we haven’t got the ball. I see them playing every week so I’d like to see them playing together.

"The same with Raheem, when he’s played on the right or the left he’s been equally as effective.

“He could bring the element of surprise – not too many players at the World Cup would have played against him. Hopefully that can be a positive for us and play into our hands."

He added: “[Daniel Sturridge] is another one who has been fantastic all year. I’m sure he’s ready to fly and will try to nick as many goals as he can.”

England meet Peru at Wembley on Friday 30 May - their final game on home soil before the World Cup. The last few tickets remain, so to make sure you don't miss out, click here to buy your tickets online.

By FA Staff